arXiv subjects

A. S. Umar

Publications and source records attributed to A. S. Umar.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Neutron dynamics in the fusion of neutron-rich O ions with $^{12}$C

The fusion excitation function for $^{21}$O + $^{12}$C was measured for the first time and compared to the fusion of less neutron-rich isotopes. The impact of valence neutrons in the d$_{5/2}$ shell on the fusion excitation function is examined. The experimental data manifest a clear dependence of the extracted barrier height, V$_B$, and barrier position, R$_B$ on neutron excess. To assess the role of dynamics the experimental data are compared with both density constrained frozen Hartree Fock (DCFHF) and density constrained time-dependent Hartree Fock (DCTDHF) theories.

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arXiv2025

Paths to Superheavy Nuclei

This document summarizes the discussions and outcomes of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams Theory Alliance (FRIB-TA) topical program "The path to Superheavy Isotopes" held in June 2024 at FRIB. Its content is non-exhaustive, reflecting topics chosen and discussed by the participants. The program aimed to assess the current status of theory in superheavy nuclei (SHN) research and identify necessary theoretical developments to guide experimental programs and determine fruitful production mechanisms. This report details the intersection of SHN research with other fields, provides an overview of production mechanisms and theoretical models, discusses future needs in theory and experiment, explores other potential avenues for SHN synthesis, and highlights the importance of building a strong theory community in this area.

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arXiv2025

Stochastic Mean-Field Theory and Applications to Multinucleon Transfer and Kinetic Energy Dissipation Processes in Heavy-Ion Collisions

In this Review article, a brief description of the stochastic mean-field theory (SMF) for describing reaction dynamics in low-energy heavy-ion collisions at bombarding energies in the vicinity of the Coulomb barrier is presented. In these collisions, as a result of strong Pauli blocking, binary nucleon collisions do not have a significant effect on the dissipation and fluctuations. At low energies, the mean-field fluctuations, due to initial correlations, have a dominant effect on fluctuations of macroscopic variables. The SMF theory proposes the determination of an ensemble of single-particle density matrices by specifying random initial fluctuations according to a distribution law. Employing an ensemble of single-particle density matrices, not only the mean values but also the distribution functions of the one-body observables can be determined. If the di-nuclear structure is maintained in heavy-ion collisions, such as deep inelastic collisions and fast quasi-fission reactions, a much simpler description of the reaction mechanism can be derived in terms of several macroscopic variables such as mass and charge asymmetry, and relative linear and relative angular momentum. In this case, by geometric projection of the SMF equations, it is possible to derive the quantal Langevin equations for macroscopic variables. As an application of quantal transport description, an analysis of multinucleon transfers and kinetic energy dissipation and fluctuations is presented for selected quasi-fission reactions.

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arXiv2025

Muon-induced fission as a probe of the underlying dynamics in nuclear fission

Muon-induced fission could be utilized as a probe to study the underlying dynamics of nuclear fission. The probability of muon attachment to the light asymmetric fission fragment is sensitive to fission dynamics, such as the timescale and friction of the fission event, charge asymmetry, and possibly the shape of the fission fragments. We focus on muonic atoms that are formed with actinide nuclei. A relativistic approach is employed, solving the Dirac equation for the muonic wavefunction in the presence of a time-dependent electromagnetic field generated by the fissioning nucleus. Computations are carried out on a 3-D Cartesian lattice with no symmetry assumptions. The results show a strong dependence of the attachment probability on the fission charge asymmetry and a more modest dependence on friction.

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arXiv2025

Shell effects in quasi-fission for calcium induced reactions forming thorium isotopes

Quantum shell effects induce an asymmetric fission mode in actinides, which disappears in neutron deficient isotopes. Quasi-fission, characterized by a significant mass transfer in heavy ion collisions at low-energies, is expected to be affected by similar shell effects. This is studied in 40-56Ca+176Yb reactions with the time-dependent Hartree-Fock approach. All reactions exhibit a mass equilibration process that stops when a heavy fragment with Z~54 protons is formed. Unlike the fission of thorium compound nuclei, quasi-fission does not exhibit a transition to symmetric modes in neutron deficient systems. This observation is interpreted in terms of potential energy surfaces that show a persistence of an asymmetric valley with an increasing barrier preventing its population in fission of the most neutron deficient thorium isotopes.

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arXiv2024

Impact of tensor forces on quasifission product yield distributions

We employ the microscopic time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) theory to study the 48Ca+249Bk and 48Ti+238U systems, taking into account the dependence on orientation for deformed nuclei and full range of impact parameters. By analyzing fragment distributions of neutron and proton numbers, we assess the influence of different isoscalar and isovector tensor coupling constants of the effective nucleon-nucleon interaction. The quasifission yield distributions of 48Ca + 249Bk collision system utilizing SLy5t and T31 parametrizations exhibit more pronounced spherical shell effects compared to those using SLy5, T44 and T62 sets. Furthermore, within each parametrization group, the distributions for SLy5t and T31 are closely aligned, as are those for SLy5, T44, and T62. Similarly, the yield distributions for the 48Ti + 238U system using SLy5t and T31 also reflect the more pronounced spherical shell effects relative to SLy5 and T62, while the charge distribution shows much better agreement with experimental results for the SLy5t and T62 parametrizations compared to SLy5 and T31. The yield distributions for the 48Ca+249Bk and 48Ti+238U systems, when compared across the SLy5, SLy5t, T31, T44, and T62 parametrizations, indicate that the influence of tensor forces on quasifission fragments is reflected in the prominence of shell effects. This influence appears to be sensitive only in specific regions within the isoscalar and isovector coupling constant parameter space. In the 48Ti + 238U system, the prominence of shell effects is manifested not only through shifts in peak positions but also through narrower yield distributions.

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arXiv2024

Neutron-rich isotope production for $Z\geq 98$ in ${}^{238} \mathrm{U}+{ }^{248} \mathrm{Cm}$ reaction

Background: Multi-nucleon transfer (MNT) reactions in actinide systems are a promising method to synthesize transuranium neutron-rich elements. Appropriate theoretical approaches are needed to understand the mechanism behind MNT. Purpose: This work aims to produce neutron-rich isotopes in the super-heavy region through the ${}^{238} \mathrm{U}+{ }^{248} \mathrm{Cm}$ system. We employ a microscopic approach to elucidate reaction mechanisms, and predict new isotope production that expands the known nuclear chart. Methods: The stochastic mean-field (SMF) approach, including fluctuations and correlations, is used to explain the primary cross-sections in MNT reactions based on the quasi-fission and inverse quasi-fission processes, and a statistical de-excitation model with GEMINI++ code to calculate the secondary fragment cross-sections Results: The calculated cross-sections using SMF and GEMINI++ explain available experimental results for the ${}^{238} \mathrm{U}+{ }^{248} \mathrm{Cm}$ system at $E_\mathrm{c.m.}=898.7$~MeV energy. This shows the effectiveness and applicability of the quantal diffusion approach based on the SMF theory in heavy-ion collisions. Conclusions: Production of transuranium neutron-rich elements with a proton number up to $Z=$101 are obtained with sizable cross-sections. Theoretical results calculated for the Z=102-105 region, for which there are no experimental data, show that the cross-section values would be lower than the microbarn level. SMF theory does not contain any adjustable parameters other than the standard parameters of the energy density functional used in the TDHF theory and is an important approach for the microscopic understanding of reaction mechanisms.

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arXiv2024

Pauli energy contribution to nucleus-nucleus interaction

The investigation delves into understanding how the Pauli exclusion principle influences the bare potential between atomic nuclei through the application of advanced theoretical methodologies. Specifically, the application of the novel Frozen-Hartree-Fock (DCFHF) technique is employed. The resulting potentials demonstrate a noticeable repulsion at short distances, attributed to the effects of the Pauli exclusion principle. To account for dynamic phenomena, such as nucleon transfer processes, the density-constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock (DC-TDHF) method is utilized. This approach integrates isovector contributions into the potential, shedding light on their influence on fusion reactions. Notably, the inclusion of isovector effects leads to a reduction or enhancement in the inner part of the potential, suggesting a nuanced role of transfer in the fusion process.

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arXiv2024

Isospin composition of fission barriers

We employ a microscopic method to study how isospin affect the fission potential of $^{240}$Pu. Our approach uses constrained Hartree-Fock theory (CHF) which allows us to separately investigate the isoscalar and isovector properties of the nuclear energy density functional (EDF). By analyzing the isoscalar and isovector components of the EDF along the fission path we can assess the isovector contribution to fission barriers. We study this effect for the fully adiabatic path to scission. The isovector component of the fission potential is found to increase in magnitude as the nucleus evolves towards scission, exemplifying the importance of stringent constraints on the isovector sector of the nuclear EDF for reliable predictions of fission properties.

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arXiv2023

Role of isospin composition in low energy nuclear fusion

We employ a microscopic approach that examines the impact of isospin dynamics on the process of low energy nuclear fusion along an isotope chain and dependence on deformation. Our method utilizes the density constrained time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory (DC-TDHF), where isoscalar and isovector characteristics of the energy density functional (EDF) are examined in turn. This approach is applied to a series of fusion interactions of $^{176}$Yb with increasingly neutron rich isotopes of Calcium. By evaluating the contributions from the isoscalar and isovector components of the EDF, we look to quantify the influence of isospin composition on the conditions under which fusion is most likely to take place. Our findings reveal that, in non-symmetric systems, the isovector dynamics play a significant role. It's typical effect is a reduction in the potential barrier, which turns into enhancement for neutron-rich systems.

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arXiv2023

Description of multinucleon transfer mechanism for ${}^{48} \mathrm{Ca}+{ }^{244} \mathrm{Pu}$ and ${ }^{86} \mathrm{Kr}+{}^{198} \mathrm{Pt}$ reactions in quantal transport approach

This work aims to show that the quantal diffusion approach based on the stochastic mean field (SMF) theory is capable of explaining the reaction dynamics observed in MNT reactions. Primary product mass distributions in $^{48}$Ca+$^{244}$Pu reaction at E$_\text{c.m.}= $ 203.2 MeV and $^{86}$Kr+$^{198}$Pt reaction at E$_\text{c.m.} = $ 324.2 MeV are calculated and compared with the available experimental data.

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arXiv2023

Study of multinucleon transfer mechanism in ${}^{160}\mathrm{Gd}+{}^{186}\mathrm{W}$ collisions in stochastic mean-field theory}

Multinucleon transfer mechanism in collision of ${}^{160}\mathrm{Gd}+{}^{186}\mathrm{W}$ system is investigated in the framework of quantal transport description, based on the stochastic mean-field (SMF) theory. The SMF theory provides a microscopic approach for nuclear dynamics beyond the time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) approach by including mean-field fluctuations. Cross-sections for the primary fragment production are determined in the quantal transport description and compared with the available data.

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arXiv2023

Cluster model of 12C in density functional theory framework

We employ the constrained density functional theory to investigate cluster phenomena for the $^{12}$C nucleus. The proton and neutron densities are generated from the placement of three $^{4}$He nuclei (alpha particles) geometrically. These densities are then used in a density constrained Hartree-Fock calculation that produces an antisymmetrized state with the same densities through energy minimization. In the calculations no \textit{a priori} analytic form for the single-particle states is assumed and the full energy density functional is utilized. The geometrical scan of the energy landscape provides the ground state of $^{12}$C as an equilateral triangular configuration of three alphas with molecular bond like structures. The use of the nucleon localization function provides further insight to these configurations. One can conclude that these configurations are a hybrid between a pure mean-field and a pure alpha particle condensate. This development could facilitate DFT based fusion calculations with a more realistic $^{12}$C ground state.

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arXiv2022

Multinucleon transfer mechanism in ${}^{250}\text{Cf}+{}^{232}\text{Th}$

Production cross-sections of heavy neutron-rich isotopes are calculated by employing quantal transport description in ${}^{250}\text{Cf}+{}^{232}\text{Th}$ collisions. This quantal transport description is based on the stochastic mean-field (SMF) approach, and it provides a microscopic approach beyond time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) theory to include mean-field fluctuations. De-excitation of primary fragments is determined by employing the statistical GEMINI++ code. Calculations provide predictions for production cross-sections of neutron rich transfermium isotopes without any adjustable parameters.

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arXiv2022

Impact of tensor force on quantum shell effects in quasifission reactions

Quantum shell effects drive many aspects of many-body quantal systems and their interactions. Among these are the quasifission reactions that impede the formation of a compound nucleus in superheavy element (SHE) searches. Fragment production in quasifission is influenced by shell effects as a nontrivial manifestation of microscopic dynamics hindering the full equilibration of the composite system to form the compound nucleus. In this Letter, we use the microscopic time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) theory to study 48Ca+249Bk collisions to investigate the influence of the tensor component of the effective nucleon-nucleon interaction. The results show that the inclusion of the tensor force causes the spherical shell effect to become more prominent, particularly for the neutron number yield whose peak is exactly at magic number N = 126. This suggests that the tensor force plays a compelling role in the evolution of dynamical shell effects in nuclear reactions, influencing the competition between spherical and deformed shell gaps.

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arXiv2022

Microscopic study on fusion reactions $^{40,48}\mathrm{Ca}+{}^{78}\mathrm{Ni}$ and the effect of tensor force

We provide a microscopic description of the fusion reactions between $^{40,48}$Ca and $^{78}$Ni. The internuclear potentials are obtained using the density-constrained (DC) time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF) approach and fusion cross sections are calculated via the incoming wave boundary condition method. By performing DC-TDHF calculations at several selected incident energies, the internuclear potentials for both systems are obtained and the energy-dependence of fusion barrier are revealed. The influence of tensor force on internuclear potentials of $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}+{}^{78}\mathrm{Ni}$ is more obvious than those of $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}+{}^{78}\mathrm{Ni}$. By comparing the calculated fusion cross sections between $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}+{}^{78}\mathrm{Ni}$ and $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}+{}^{78}\mathrm{Ni}$, an interesting enhancement of sub-barrier fusion cross sections for the former system is found, which can be explained by the narrow width of internuclear potential for $^{40}\mathrm{Ca}+{}^{78}\mathrm{Ni}$ while the barrier heights and positions are very close to each other. The tensor force suppresses the sub-barrier fusion cross sections of both two systems.

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arXiv2022

Theoretical Uncertainty Quantification for Heavy-ion Fusion

Despite recent advances and focus on rigorous uncertainty quantification for microscopic models of quantum many-body systems, the uncertainty on the dynamics of those systems has been under-explored. To address this, we have used time-dependent Hartree-Fock to examine the model uncertainty for a collection of low-energy, heavy-ion fusion reactions. Fusion reactions at near-barrier energies represent a rich test-bed for the dynamics of quantum many-body systems owing to the complex interplay of collective excitation, transfer, and static effects that determine the fusion probability of a given system. While the model uncertainty is sizable for many of the systems studied, the primary contribution comes from ill-constrained static properties, such as the neutron radius of neutron-rich nuclei. These large uncertainties motivate the use of information from reactions to better constrain existing models and to infer static properties from reaction data.

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arXiv2021

Comparison of fission and quasi-fission modes

Quantum shell effects are known to affect the formation of fragments in nuclear fission. Shell effects also affect quasi-fission reactions occurring in heavy-ion collisions. Systematic time-dependent Hartree-Fock simulations of 50Ca+176Yb collisions show that the mass equilibration between the fragments in quasi-fission is stopped when they reach similar properties to those in the asymmetric fission mode of the 226Th compound nucleus. Similar shell effects are then expected to determine the final repartition of nucleons between the nascent fragments in both mechanisms. Future experimental studies that could test these observations are discussed.

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